Malaysian receives Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Sylvester title

Pope Francis has conferred the title Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Sylvester, Pope and Martyr (one of the five Orders of Knighthood awarded directly by the Pope), on Lawrence John Sinniah from Malaysia, for his contributions to social communication.

The title was bestowed by the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Dr Paolo Ruffini, in Bangkok on November 26, 2023.

Sinniah, former Vice President of SIGNIS for two mandates and a former President of SIGNIS Asia, expressed that he was surprised and touched upon receiving the title.

“I am deeply honored to receive this title from Pope Francis. I would like to share this recognition with my fellow social communicators, especially our young leaders, who promote unity and development through communications and media,” said Sinniah.

In particular, he thanked his predecessors in SIGNIS for nurturing me in communications through their friendship and guidance.

“I want to pay tribute to Augustine Loorthusamy, who introduced me to the ‘hidden treasures’ of Catholic social teaching and a deeper understanding of social communications more than 40 years ago,” he added.

To the late Cardinal Soter Fernandez (22 April 1932–28 October 2020), Sinniah expresses his deep gratitude for having faith in him and entrusting him with the responsibility and leadership of social communications in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“As I receive this title, I want to especially honor and thank my mother, the late Pauline Joseph, for her love and dedication in sowing in me the seed of service to others,” Sinniah added.

As an International Association of the Faithful, the Vatican recognizes SIGNIS or the World Catholic Association for Communication. Its goal is to "help transform cultures in the light of the Gospel by promoting human dignity, justice, and reconciliation."